Today, I am mourning a woman I never met. But who, in this moment, feels so part of who I am it hurts to think I was not at her burial this morning. On her birthday. My grandmother’s birthday.
There’s a poem I like to give to friends on their birthdays by Rainer Maria Rilke called “I believe in all that has never yet been spoken.” Like all poetry, I’m sure it speaks differently to each who read it, but to me it’s about choosing to move and live FORWARD, regardless of what has been said by or about you in the past — good or bad. To seize moments more often with total abandon. And to know that even if you have fallen short of doing this before, believe in the possibility of making that change in yourself now. Believe in the many rich conversations to come and be part of what helps make them happen.
I believe in all that has never yet been spoken.I want to free what waits within meso that what no one has dared to wish for
may for once spring clearwithout my contriving.
If this is arrogant, God, forgive me,but this is what I need to say.May what I do flow from me like a river,no forcing and no holding back,the way it is with children.
Then in these swelling and ebbing currents,these deepening tides moving out, returning,I will sing you as no one ever has,
streaming through widening channelsinto the open sea.
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You have such beautiful thoughts. We’re all so lucky to be able to call you a friend. thinking of you.
Thanks for sharing such beautiful thoughts Maureen! Yours and Rilke’s.